Taking part in sporting activities is important for children since it teaches them discipline and improves their general health. However these pursuits are not entirely harmless, since they lead to numerous emergency rooms visits each year. Common injures sustained by children taking part in sporting activities include fractures or broken bones, dislocated joints, torn ligaments, sprains, strains and even concussions.

Rest

If your child sustains any sports related injury, ensuring that they get adequate rest until their healthcare provider declares them healed is one of the best things you can do to help them recover. When resting at home, if their doctor recommended elevation, make sure that the injured part is always higher than the heart by placing it on a pillow.

Bandaging

If the child injured an arm or a leg which has been wrapped with a bandage or cast, examine their fingers or toes episodically to look for discoloration, which can suggest that they are not getting enough blood. Combine this with asking them if their digits are getting numb since this is another sign that the cast or bandage is too tight and needs to be loosened.

Healthy eating

Ensuring that your child eats foods which are good sources of protein is another way you can help their sports injury heal faster. Examples of such foods include chicken, fish, beef and other meats, as well as legumes like beans and lentils. Yogurt is another good source of protein which is doubly beneficial for children with broken bones, since it is also rich in calcium.

Medications

Making sure that the child with the sports injury is taking their medications as prescribed is another way of helping them recover. This should be combined with doing any recommended home exercises. If the doctor has prescribed crutches, ensure that they are being used to support the child’s weight correctly.

Last, but not least

Finally do not force your child to return to the sporting activity before they are cleared by their healthcare provider or if they are still in pain.

Baseball Injuries

Injuries in young athletes are on the rise, but elbow and shoulder injuries in children are on the verge of becoming an epidemic. Thousands of children are seen each year complaining of elbow or shoulder pain. Damage or tear to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the most common injury suffered and is often caused by pitchers throwing too much. This ligament is the main stabilizer of the elbow for the motions of pitching. When it becomes damaged, it can be difficult to repair and rehabilitate.

Diagnosis of an Injury

If a young athlete is throwing too hard, too much, too early, and without rest, a serious elbow or shoulder injury may be on the horizon. If the athlete complains of elbow or shoulder pain the day after throwing, or movement of the joint is painful or restricted compared to the opposite side, see a physician familiar with youth sports injuries immediately.

How Is An Overuse Elbow Or Shoulder Injury Treated?

The most obvious treatment for overuse is rest, especially from the activity that created the injury. Ice is also used to reduce soreness and inflammation. Ibuprofen can be taken to help with any pain. If symptoms persist, it is critical that a physician be contacted, especially if there is a lack of full-joint motion. An examination and radiographs should be done. An MRI scan may also be helpful.

Usually a simple “rest cure” approach will not be enough, because even though it allows symptoms to subside, it also creates loss of muscle bulk, tone, flexibility, and endurance. Once pain is gone and full motion is present, a throwing rehabilitation program can start.

Under some circumstances, surgery may be necessary to correct a problem. Overuse and stress related problems can affect growing parts of bone, not just the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). If the condition is not treated, it could cause deformity of the limb and permanent disability. The athlete should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional.

Medical Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor if you are experiencing any discomfort or have any questions.

According to Stop Sports Injuries, medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears are the most common knee injuries sustained while playing basketball. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that symptoms of this injury, which is caused by blows to the outside of the knee, include swelling, locking and pain on the inside of the joint.

UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences) states that landing awkwardly after a jump, suddenly changing direction and decelerating while playing basketball can tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury is characterized by an audible “pop” or slipping of the knee out of its joint.

The Knee Society reports that patella tendinitis can develop after repetitive trauma to the knee while playing basketball. This condition, which affects the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone, is characterized by pain on the front of the knee which can be worsened by landing after a jump.

Overuse knee injuries like patella tendinitis, can be prevented by limiting time spent playing basketball and other high impact sports. Taking at least one season off each year can also help prevent them, since it reduces the chances of overtraining and gives the body time to heal.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that wearing protective knee pads can also protect the knee from bruises and abrasions. This should be combined with wearing supportive basketball shoes with skid-resistant soles.

Thoroughly warming up before playing any game is another simple way of preventing basketball knee injuries. This should be combined with ensuring that basketball courts are inspected before games to clean slippery spots and clear debris.

Bones can be broken or fractured by traumatic events like sports injuries and motor vehicle accidents or by pathological conditions like osteoporosis and cancer. Regardless of the specific cause, symptoms of bone fractures include pain, swelling and a deformity which may be associated with bleeding if the bone fragments penetrate the skin.

Broken bones generally take from 4 to 8 weeks to heal and this duration depends on factors like the age of the patient, their nutritional status and the type of fracture sustained.

The healing of broken bones is a complex process which begins when bleeding into the injured area from the bone fragments results in the formation of blood clots. These clots, which develop on the ends of the broken bones, form a mesh on which the new bone will be formed.

Stem cells are then brought to the injury site and they develop into fibroblasts, which produce the fibrous tissue and cartilage that forms the soft callus, which joins the two ends of the bone. With time, this soft callus is replaced by bone tissue as minerals like calcium and phosphate are added and it becomes a hard callus.

The final step in the bone healing process is the remodeling phase in which the bone becomes more compact and assumes its original shape.

Immobilization is vital for broken bones to heal since movement slows the process. Patients are therefore treated by setting the fractured bones in a plaster cast or by surgical immobilization with plates and pins.

After the bones have adequately healed, the cast or plates are removed and physical therapy is introduced. This usually involves an exercise program to rehabilitate the limb and help it regain strength and balance. Gentle weight bearing exercises are included in this program to help with the bone remodeling process, which may continue for several months.

Knee and hip injuries are two of the most common sports related injuries among athletes, and basketball injuries make up some of the most varied sports injuries. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing in a high school championship or for an NBA title, the physicality of basketball is one reason why injuries to your knees and hips can result.

KNEE INJURIES

One type of knee injury, the sprain, results from a ligament tear not severe enough to make your knee give out. In order for it to heal properly you will need to immobilize the knee. Once the tear has healed you will need to perform stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles to keep the knee in place. A more severe knee injury like a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) will make your knee give out immediately, but it doesn’t always require surgery to participate in sports again. You may only have to do special exercises to strengthen the thigh muscle and wear a knee brace.

HIP INJURIES

Hip injuries are very painful, take longer to heal, and often occur as the result of a fall. The most common hip problem is the hip pointer injury, which results from impact to the iliac crest of the pelvis. This injury usually results in a sharp and strong pain and requires a long recovery. Avoiding a hip injury is really difficult, but there is protective hip equipment available to help reduce the chances of serious injury. If an athlete suffers a hip injury, never attempt to return to training before being given the all clear by a professional. Returning too soon can lead to further complications and a much longer lay off. Also, keep in mind before you start exercising to warm-up and stretch because it will help warm up your muscles, increase flexibility, reduce stiffness and prevent injury.

Medical Disclaimer: Always talk to a medical consultant before starting a new exercise routine, returning to exercise after injury, or if you have any health care-related questions.

The occurrence of children’s sports-related knee injuries has dramatically increased in the last decade. This article will explain to parents the simple ways that they can help their children prevent them from happening.
Children in sports are more susceptible to sports-related knee injuries for these reasons:

Children are still growing, and each are at a different level of growth

Children mature at individual paces and are at varied sizes when in play with each other

Children have less coordination and slower reaction time than adults

Children may take unnecessary risks that may result in injuries

Parents must explain these risks to their children when they allow their children to become involved in sports. Here are several easy tips for parents to use to guide their children in preventing sports-related knee injuries:

Knee Injury Prevention Tips

First, make sure there is proper supervision by trained adults.

Make sure those adults are knowledgeable in prevention of sports injuries, i.e., adequate warm-ups, stretching and breaks for rest in games and practices.

Kids’ shoes should be in good condition, fit properly and be appropriate for the sport.

Kids should wear protective knee pads if appropriate for the sport.

Children can maintain and improve their coordination and balance by training all year long, not just during their sport’s season.

Muscles should be warmed up before stretching. Stretching helps muscles stay flexible. It also increases blood flow and lengthens the muscles for optimal use.

Don’t let them play when they’re injured. When it hurts, they shouldn’t play. They’ll be setting themselves up for an even more serious injury. And will set them aside for an even longer time.

Involved and caring parents can help children prevent sports-related knee injuries by following these simple tips.

Injuries to your joints can occur while playing sports or exercising. Sports injuries to your joints can be caused easily from a variety of reasons. Common joint injuries from playing sports consist of: knee injuries, twisted ankle, sprains, and overextended elbow. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent joint damage while playing sports.

Be In Proper Condition

If you are playing in a league, make sure to get a physical exam beforehand to ensure you are physically fit to play in a sport. You also need to be adequately trained for that sport in order to prevent injury. “Many injuries can be prevented by following a regular conditioning program of exercises designed specifically for your sport.” (2) Also make sure you take time off for yourself such as 1-2 days per week to allow your body to recover.

Warming up

It’s very important to warm up before any type of sport and to cool down after playing sports. Warming up is important because your body will be less likely to suffer muscle strain as your muscles become warm and loose.

Stretching

Stretching also plays a key role in preventing joint injuries as stretching makes your muscles more flexible. It’s essential to stretch before and after your sports session. Useful stretches includes “calf raises, lunges, squats, and leg lifts. For the shoulders, do simple moves such as push-ups, lateral lifts with light weights, and bench dips.” (4)

Wear Appropriate Protective Gear

Protective gear such as pads which fit properly on your body can prevent joint damage to your knees, shins and shoulders. It’s also important to make sure you wear proper clothing and shoes for the particular sport your are playing. Specifically for running sneakers, make sure you get fitted for running shoes at a sports store.

Use Protective Gear

When playing sports such as golf or tennis that have a repetitive motion, make sure you are trained properly such as by taking lessons beforehand from a coach or trainer. This reduces the risk of injury as getting proper training will ensure you have proper form.

We all start off our new fitness plan with enthusiasm. In your mental rush, you yank on those unfamiliar exercise duds and head out to your preferred mode of sweating. For me that’s tennis, hands-down.

I’m pumped up, feeling pretty good about myself. But, after a few heated rallies with the guy or gal who’s been playing all along (instead of beginning again, for the ump-teenth time), I run like crazy to get that drop-shot, and bam…what was that fiery pain in my calf? The next day I’m limping and cringing.

All too often, we let a mindless jaunt of “getting back into exercise” result in a sports injury- a pulled muscle, tendon or sprain. How the heck are you going to keep it up after the “first burst” if you injure yourself right off the bat? I’ve learned from hard-earned personal experience six ways to avoid injuring yourself– before you have the chance to enjoy yourself.

To avoid sports injuries, give your muscles a little work out before stretching. A few minutes of regular walking; light, soft, short hitting- just to warm up those sleepy muscles. Then give them a gentle stretch. Place your heel behind you in a small lunge to stretch your Achilles tendon, then moving it back to enlongate the thigh muscle. Then allow it up by going into a full lunge to open up the hip joint. Bend over from the waist with your knees in “soft” position (not locked back) and move slowly toward the ground. Never bounce. Never stretch cold muscles.

3. Start Slowly To Avoid Sports Injuries

Be a wimp those first five minutes. Warming your muscles and stretching them properly builds a foundation for better performance in the next hour.

4. Listen To Your Body

You can avoid sports injuries by leaving your competitive pride behind, and think of your body as a friend who needs to be listened to. Are you Iron Man? No. So be nice to your body, and you can expect it exercise for you, the next day.

5. Be Positive

We can all avoid sports injuries by thinking encouraging thoughts, even if we can’t do what we could last year. Reminding ourselves of the time we’ve wasted, only makes us feel unfit. Plus, it distracts the mind from tuning into the body. Congratulate yourself for still trying.

6. Have Fun!…

Sports injuries are not fun. There you are, with your leg up, balancing an ice bag on your ankle and begging someone to get you more ibuprofen. How fit do you feel now, limpy? Hopefully you have sympathetic family members who keep you off that sprain until it heals. Hopefully, they don’t remind you how old you’re getting or that you can’t do what you used to. Hopefully, when you went out with that “first burst” of exercise mania, you put your head on straight, thought ahead, kept it light, didn’t try to prove anything and left before you hurt yourself. If so, you can celebrate your newly-found ambitions. Avoiding sports injuries is crucial to getting back into shape.